What does the term "hemoptysis" mean?

Hemoptysis means coughing up blood or bloody mucus from the lungs or airways. The term combines hemo meaning blood and ptysis meaning spitting. It should be distinguished from hematemesis, which is vomiting blood from the gastrointestinal tract. Hemoptysis can range from blood-streaked sputum to massive life-threatening hemorrhage. Common causes include bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and bronchiectasis. Even small amounts of hemoptysis require medical evaluation because they may indicate serious underlying disease.